Matt’s Corner – Blog

Welcome to the Prepare for Medicare blog!

Welcome to the Prepare for Medicare blog!  I’m thrilled you’re here.  I’ll use this blog space on the website to keep you up-to-speed with things that affect your Medicare coverage, current events and important dates and timelines.

I wrote my book, Prepare for Medicare – The Insider’s Guide to Buying Medicare Insurance to help you quickly understand Medicare, narrow down your choices, purchase a plan with the help of an expert Medicare insurance agent or DIY, and move on with your life.

That said, Medicare rules change all the time and there’s always something new!  Keep paying attention to this space and I’ll post updates regularly.

If you’d like to submit a question, please email me at matt@prepareformedicare.com.

Thanks for reading!  Don’t forget sign up for the Prepare for Medicare newsletter.

To your wealth, wisdom, and wellness!

Matt FeretMatt Signature

Why the MOOP Is Important

Why the MOOP Is Important

Hey Matt, How much does it really matter to invest in a Medicare plan with a low Maximum Out-Of-Pocket? On the other hand, should I just stick with what you call Bare-with-Medicare? Charles S. Hey Charles, To answer your question, we need to explain a MOOP. This is...

How Much Should I Pay Attention to Medicare Star Ratings?

How Much Should I Pay Attention to Medicare Star Ratings?

Hello Matt, Thank you for providing the information in your previous blog about Medicare Star ratings. I understand how they work, but why are they important? How are Star ratings in real-time? Thank you for all your wonderful information! Betty V. Hello Betty, The...

A Guide to Medicare Ratings

A Guide to Medicare Ratings

Hi Matt! I’m looking at different Medicare packages, and I see a Star rating system. Still, I don’t quite understand how the Medicare Star rating system works. Can you please shed some light on this subject? Thanks, Donald Z. Donald, These days, it’s hard to avoid...

What are the Different Types of Medicare Special Enrollment Periods?

What are the Different Types of Medicare Special Enrollment Periods?

Matt, I know there are different types of Special Enrollment Periods for Medicare. Can you review these for me? And what is a Special Enrollment Period, anyway? Thanks, Shirley J. Shirley, Simply put, a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) lets you make changes to your...

What is the Annual Election Period in Medicare?

What is the Annual Election Period in Medicare?

Hello Matt, I know there is an annual election period for Medicare, but I’m unsure of the specific dates. I’ve heard it starts in October and ends in December. Can you give me a window of time that I can change my benefits for Medicare? Thanks, Patty Hello Patty, The...

2023 Medicare Star Ratings

2023 Medicare Star Ratings

Matt,   I’m curious about the star ratings for Medicare for 2023. What’s different about next year, if there is a difference for Medicare star ratings?   Thank You,   Grace Grace,   This can be complicated, but let me explain some of the details...

Medicare Coverage While Traveling in the United States

Medicare Coverage While Traveling in the United States

Hi Matt,   My husband and I are traveling now that the world has opened up. Can you tell me if Medicare will cover our medical expenses if we need to use a hospital or doctor outside of our state?   Thank you,   Tracey C. Hi Tracey,   If you’re on...

Medicare Part B 2023 Income-Related Adjustments

Medicare Part B 2023 Income-Related Adjustments

Hello Matt,   I know that Medicare Part B premiums and deductibles are decreasing, and my premiums are based on my income. Can you give me an idea of how much money I will save with the latest Medicare Part B adjustments? Thanks a bunch! Enjoying the information...

Reduction in Medicare Part B Deductibles and Premiums for 2023

Reduction in Medicare Part B Deductibles and Premiums for 2023

Hi Matt,   I heard that the Medicare Part B deductible and premium have gone down for 2023. Is that the correct information, or did I get bad information on the internet?   Elizabeth S. Hi Elizabeth,   No, you didn’t get bad information on the internet!...

How Much Does Medicare Cost?

How Much Does Medicare Cost?

Matt,   I’ve been reading information online about the cost of Medicare, but the numbers seem to be all over the place! Do you have a decent estimate on how much Medicare should cost me? Thanks for your help and information on your blogs!   Benjamin J....

What Is Medicare? Can You Get Medicare Under Age 65?

What Is Medicare? Can You Get Medicare Under Age 65?

Matt,   We all know that Medicare is an insurance policy the government provides older folks, such as myself. However, I’ve also heard you can get Medicare if you’re under 65. Is that correct?   Edward S. Hi Edward,   While most Medicare applicants are...